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Three lesser-known left-backs for Southampton to consider

By Nikos Lemanis

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 10: Ryan Bertrand of England in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Scotland and England at Hampden Park National Stadium on June 10, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 10: Ryan Bertrand of England in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Scotland and England at Hampden Park National Stadium on June 10, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Konstantinos Stafylidis

23-year-old Greek international Stafylidis came through the youth academy at PAOK, making his first team debut for the Thessaloniki club before his 18th birthday.

The following season he became a regular at left back in both the Greek Superleague and Europa League, before making a £1.3m move to Bayer Leverkusen in July 2012.

In three years on the Leverkusen books he only made one senior appearance, playing mainly in the reserves and on loan at old club PAOK and at Championship Fulham. In July of 2015 he made a permanent move to Augsburg, where he has really started to shine.

The Greeks are known for their steadfast, physically imposing defenders, but Stafylidis fits the mould of a modern day full-back. He’s great at getting forward and has even been known to score the odd wonder strike too. Check out this effort (at 00:58)…

His attacking focus doesn’t undermine his defensive capability though. Stafylidis’ tackling and interception statistics are impressive, and he is both comfortable on the ball and in passing.

Last season the Greek defender was one of Augsburg’s stand out performers, and it’s somewhat surprising that he hasn’t been the subject of any external interest yet.